Alerts: Dark web monitoring

Overview

Dark web monitoring uses bots and human intelligence operatives to scan the dark web and closed hacker forums for compromised personal information. You may receive alerts if your login credentials, account numbers, or other sensitive details have been exposed on the dark web.

Note: When your personal information ends up on the dark web, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re experiencing fraud or identity theft. However, it may make you an easier target for future identity theft, scams, and phishing attempts.

If your email address was found on the dark web

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Change the password for the compromised email account
1. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid choosing a short, easy-to-guess password, and make sure it’s not used anywhere else.
2. Change the password for any accounts that use the same email address and password combination
3. Turn on two-step authentication for your email account if it’s available
4. Be on guard: If your credentials have been exposed, your email address could be used to send spam.  Your phone number could also be used to make spoof calls that look like they’re coming from you.

If your web login information was found on the dark web

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Change the password for the compromised account. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid short, easy-to-guess combinations.
2. Change the password for any accounts that use the same username and password combination.
3. If you have the option, turn on two-step authentication for the account.
4. If the account has any financial information tied to it, keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any unusual activity.

If your Social Security number was found on the dark web

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Review your credit report for fraudulent activity
2. Alert the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service that your Social Security number may have been stolen
3. Consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report

If your driver’s license number was found on the dark web

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact your state’s DMV and report that your driver’s license number may have been stolen
2. Keep an eye on your credit report for fraudulent activity

If your credit or debit card number was found on the dark web

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact your bank to request a new card
2. Review your bank account statement for fraudulent activity
3. Consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report

If your IP address was found on the dark web

This doesn’t mean your computer has been hacked or infected. However, this could make you an easier target for online attacks. We'll continue to monitor your information and alert you if we spot potential fraud or identity theft.

If other information was found on the dark web

Here are some steps you can take:

1. If an online account was compromised, change the password for that account and any other accounts that use the same password.
2. Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any unusual activity.
3. If sensitive information — like a Social Security number or bank account number — was compromised, you may want to consider freezing your credit report.